Noema Pharma
Noema Pharma is a Swiss clinical-stage biotech developing four oral small molecule CNS drug candidates in-licensed from Roche, targeting trigeminal neuralgia, tuberous sclerosis complex seizures, Tourette syndrome, stuttering, and menopausal vasomotor symptoms, with four active Phase 2 trials and over CHF 287 million raised.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersBasel, Switzerland
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Noema Pharma does
Noema Pharma is a Swiss-based, clinical-stage biotechnology company founded in 2019 and headquartered in Basel, developing a portfolio of oral small molecule therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The company's pipeline consists of four drug candidates in-licensed from Roche: basimglurant (NOE-101), a first-in-class mGluR5 negative allosteric modulator in Phase 2/3 for trigeminal neuralgia (FDA Fast Track designated) and seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex; gemlapodect (NOE-105), a first-in-class PDE10A inhibitor in Phase 2b for Tourette syndrome and childhood onset fluency disorder (stuttering); cendifensine (NOE-115), a broad-spectrum monoamine modulator in Phase 2a for menopausal vasomotor symptoms, where Phase 2a results showed a 92.3% reduction in daily hot flash frequency; and NOE-109, an mGluR2/3 inhibitor in preclinical validation. Basimglurant has established safety data in over 1,000 subjects and gemlapodect Phase 2a data showed no metabolic side effects compared to current antipsychotic standards of care.
The company targets patient populations across both orphan and large-market neurology indications, including approximately 140,000 US trigeminal neuralgia patients, 80,000 US/EU TSC patients, over 500,000 US Tourette syndrome patients, and roughly 27 million US menopausal women. Noema has raised over CHF 287 million (~$325M) across a Series A (2020), Series B (2023), and Series B extension (2024) from a syndicate including Sofinnova Partners, Polaris Partners, Forbion, Jeito Capital, Gilde Healthcare, Invus, UPMC Enterprises, and EQT Life Sciences. Leadership includes CEO Ilise Lombardo, MD (formerly Kriya Therapeutics, Arvelle Therapeutics), Chairman Jeffrey Jonas (former CEO of Sage Therapeutics), EVP R&D Volker Knappertz, MD (led Epidiolex approval at GW Pharmaceuticals), and CMO Rob Lasser, MD (led zuranolone at Sage Therapeutics), reflecting deep CNS drug development expertise.
Noema operates a pre-revenue, sales-led biotech model focused on advancing its pipeline through clinical trials toward regulatory approval and eventual commercialization via prescription pharmaceutical channels, either directly or through partnership with larger pharmaceutical companies. The company employs a multi-stakeholder engagement strategy including patient advocacy partnerships (Facial Pain Association, TSC Alliance, World Stuttering Network), KOL webinars, and investor conference participation, while maintaining offices in Basel, Switzerland and the Boston Area, United States to support global clinical trial operations across the US, Europe, and Australia.
Noema Pharma firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Noema Pharma
- Legal name
- Noema Pharma AG
- Website
- https://noemapharma.com/
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Noema Pharma is a Swiss clinical-stage biotech developing four oral small molecule CNS drug candidates in-licensed from Roche, targeting trigeminal neuralgia, tuberous sclerosis complex seizures, Tourette syndrome, stuttering, and menopausal vasomotor symptoms, with four active Phase 2 trials and over CHF 287 million raised.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Noema Pharma industry classification
Industry- Product category
- CNS Therapeutics / Neurology Pharmaceuticals
- NAICS
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Neurology & CNS Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Neurology & Psychiatry (CNS) Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAF), Rare Neurology & Neurodegenerative Disorder Therapies (HLAIAIAD), Endocrinology & Reproductive Health Pharmaceuticals (incl. Women’s Health) (HLAIAAAJ)
Keywords
Where Noema Pharma is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Basel
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Noema Pharma business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Pharmaceutical drug development and commercialization: Pre-revenue clinical-stage biotech. The company develops proprietary therapeutic candidates through clinical trials, seeks regulatory approval (FDA, EMA), and commercializes drugs via prescription pathway, either directly or through partnership with a larger pharmaceutical company. Revenue would be generated from product sales upon regulatory approval.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels8 records
Noema Pharma product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Noema Pharma develops oral small molecule therapeutics targeting central nervous system disorders, with a portfolio of four clinical-stage drug candidates in-licensed from Roche. The lead assets address trigeminal neuralgia pain, seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex, Tourette syndrome, stuttering, and menopausal vasomotor symptoms through well-characterized mechanisms including mGluR5 inhibition, PDE10A inhibition, and broad-spectrum monoamine modulation.
Product overview
Noema Pharma is advancing a late-stage portfolio of oral small molecule therapeutics targeting neurological and related disorders. The company is developing four clinical-stage drug candidates in-licensed from Roche: Basimglurant (NOE-101), a Phase 2/3 mGluR5 NAM for trigeminal neuralgia and seizures in TSC; Cendifensine (NOE-115), a Phase 2a broad-spectrum monoamine modulator for menopausal vasomotor symptoms; Gemlapodect (NOE-105), a Phase 2b PDE10A inhibitor for Tourette syndrome and stuttering; and NOE-109, an mGluR2/3 inhibitor in preclinical validation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Basimglurant (NOE-101) Potential first-in-class, highly selective and potent mGluR5 negative allosteric modulator (NAM) being developed for the management of pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and seizure control in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Oral, once-daily dosing; tested in over 1,000 subjects with favorable tolerability and no known abuse potential. Currently in Phase 2/3 clinical trials with FDA Fast Track designation.
- Gemlapodect (NOE-105) First-in-class oral PDE10A inhibitor that modulates dopamine signaling exclusively in medium spiny neurons of the striatum. Being developed for Tourette syndrome and Childhood Onset Fluency Disorder (stuttering). Phase 2a ALLEVIA-1 study met primary and all key secondary endpoints; now in Phase 2b trials. No metabolic side effects (weight gain, insulin resistance) observed in clinical studies.
- Cendifensine (NOE-115) Oral broad-spectrum monoamine modulator designed as a non-hormonal treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS/hot flashes & night sweats) and other menopause-related symptoms. Rebalances serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Phase 2a results demonstrated 92.3% reduction in daily hot flash frequency and 59.2% reduction in VMS severity at 12 weeks, with median weight reduction of 2.5 kg.
- NOE-109
Quantifiable outcome
- Cendifensine (30 mg dose): 92.3% reduction in daily frequency of moderate-to-severe hot flashes from baseline to Week 12, with mean reduction of 12.3 daily hot flashes (LS mean adjusted p<0.001)
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Noema Pharma
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Noema Pharma technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Noema Pharma partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- RochecoreLicensed four mid-clinical-stage therapeutic product candidates from Roche: NOE-101 (mGluR5 inhibitor), NOE-105 (PDE10A inhibitor), NOE-109 (mGluR2/3 inhibitor), and NOE-115 (triple reuptake inhibitor/monoamine modulator). All assets have established safety data from prior clinical testing.
- Facial Pain AssociationsupportingPatient advocacy organization for trigeminal neuralgia. Logo displayed on Noema Pharma's website. The Facial Pain Association provides resources and support for TN patients, a key patient population for Noema's lead asset basimglurant.
- World Stuttering NetworksupportingPatient advocacy organization for people who stutter. Logo displayed on Noema Pharma's website. The World Stuttering Network supports patients with childhood onset fluency disorder (stuttering), a target indication for gemlapodect (NOE-105).
- TSC AlliancesupportingPublished podcast on its website dedicated to basimglurant (NOE-101) and seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex. Patient advocacy partner for TSC, a key indication for NOE-101.
- LifeSci CommunicationssupportingOperates Noema Pharma's website as a processor within the meaning of the EU GDPR. Provides investor relations, media, and communications services to Noema Pharma.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Noema Pharma competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals: Specialty CNS pharmaceutical company commercializing Nuplazid (pimavanserin) for Parkinson's disease psychosis and other CNS therapies. Comparable as a broader CNS specialty pharma focused on neurology/psychiatry with approved and pipeline assets.
- Astellas Pharma: Global pharma that launched Veozah (fezolinetant) for menopausal vasomotor symptoms, directly competing with Noema's cendifensine program. Comparable as a large-pharma competitor with an approved non-hormonal menopause therapy in the same indication Noema is pursuing.
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Specialty CNS pharma that acquired GW Pharmaceuticals and commercialized Epidiolex (cannabidiol) for rare epilepsies, including TSC. Volker Knappertz (Noema EVP R&D) led Epidiolex's development at GW. Highly comparable as an established CNS player in rare epilepsies.
Direct peers
- Axsome Therapeutics: CNS-focused biotech that developed and launched Auvelity for major depressive disorder. Comparable as a small-cap clinical-stage CNS company with multiple late-stage CNS assets and a similar specialty commercialization model.
- Karuna Therapeutics: Clinical-stage CNS biotech that developed xanomeline/trospium (Cobenfy) for schizophrenia before being acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb. Directly comparable as a CNS-focused clinical-stage biotech that advanced a single novel-mechanism therapy to FDA approval via Phase 3.
- Sage Therapeutics: Clinical-stage CNS biotech that developed and commercialized zuranolone (ZURZUVAE) for postpartum depression and has worked extensively in neurology and psychiatry. Noema's CMO Robert Lasser led zuranolone development at Sage, and Chairman Jeffrey Jonas is Sage's former CEO, making it a direct comparable in CNS small-molecule development.
- Biohaven Pharmaceuticals: CNS and neurology-focused biotech that developed Nurtec ODT for migraine before divesting that asset to Pfizer. Comparable as a multi-asset CNS clinical-stage company that ultimately exited via a large-pharma transaction.
- Marinus Pharmaceuticals: Clinical-stage CNS company that developed Ztalmy (ganaxolone) for CDKL5 deficiency disorder, an orphan epilepsy. Comparable as a small CNS biotech pursuing rare neurology with FDA-approved orphan CNS drug.
- Praxis Precision Medicines: Clinical-stage biotech developing CNS therapies including epilepsy (PRAX-222 for SCN1A-related disorders) and other rare neurology indications. Comparable as a small CNS-focused clinical-stage biotech pursuing orphan neurology indications.
Emerging players
- Intra-Cellular Therapies: CNS-focused company that developed Caplyta (lumateperone) for schizophrenia and bipolar depression before being acquired by Johnson & Johnson. Comparable as a CNS small-molecule company that progressed from clinical stage to commercial launch and strategic exit.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Noema Pharma social profiles
Digital presenceNoema Pharma financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Noema Pharma leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles19 records
Noema Pharma funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors9 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Noema Pharma M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Noema Pharma
What does Noema Pharma do?
Noema Pharma develops oral small molecule therapeutics targeting central nervous system disorders, with a portfolio of four clinical-stage drug candidates in-licensed from Roche. The lead assets address trigeminal neuralgia pain, seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex, Tourette syndrome, stuttering, and menopausal vasomotor symptoms through well-characterized mechanisms including mGluR5 inhibition, PDE10A inhibition, and broad-spectrum monoamine modulation.
Is Noema Pharma a public or private company?
Noema Pharma is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Noema Pharma founded?
Noema Pharma was founded in 2019. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Noema Pharma based?
Noema Pharma is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Noema Pharma make money?
One revenue line is on record: pharmaceutical drug development and commercialization.
Who are Noema Pharma's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Astellas Pharma and Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Direct peers are Axsome Therapeutics, Karuna Therapeutics, Sage Therapeutics, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Marinus Pharmaceuticals and Praxis Precision Medicines. Intra-Cellular Therapies is listed as an emerging player.
Does Noema Pharma have an API?
No public API is recorded for Noema Pharma.
What industry is Noema Pharma in?
Noema Pharma's product category is CNS Therapeutics / Neurology Pharmaceuticals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIACAC, Neurology & CNS Specialty Pharmaceuticals, with a secondary code of HLAIAAAF, Neurology & Psychiatry (CNS) Pharmaceuticals. Its NAICS code is 325412.